How to save a life . . . Annan PC gets award

AN ANNAN cop out-galloped any horse on Riding of the Marches this year when he sprinted down the high street to save a man’s life – and now he’s been awarded for his actions.

PC Iain Leggett made Annandale Observer headlines in July when he rushed to the aid of Farmfoods’ worker Alistair Smith.

With thousands of people lining the high street, PC Leggett heard over his radio that a man was hav- ing a heart attack at the other end of the street and the public access de brillator had been called for.

Without a second thought, he ran the full length of the street to where Mr Smith had collapsed and was un- responsive at work.

Using his basic rst aid training, PC Leggett checked and cleared his airway before starting CPR.

He then activated the de brillator and despite never having used one before, followed the instructions and successfully revived Mr Smith, whose heart had stopped.

He then stayed with him until an ambulance arrived.

And in recognition of his heroic act, PC Leggett took home the Emergency Services Hero of the Year prize at the sixth annual St Andrew’s First Aid, Scottish First Aid Awards, last week in Glasgow.

But a grateful Mr Smith says no award will ever be enough for the popular police officer.

Since the scare, the pair have become friends with Mr Smith, a father and grandfather, saying he owes his life to PC Leggett.

He said: “I was a goner. I was dead. Iain saved my life.

“I am so thankful to him, my

whole family are so thankful. Without him I wouldn’t be here.

“He deserves more than just an award, so much more.”

And Mr Smith was pleased to report that since the heart attack he’s made a full recovery.

Meanwhile, Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, has praised the of cer.

He said: “Without a doubt, PC Leggett’s quick actions and calm management of this situation re-sulted in a life saved.

“He is an excellent example of how having even basic rst aid skills and the con dence to use them, can be the difference between life and death and I am delighted to have given him this award in recognition of his actions.”

Get the full story in the Annandale Observer
Next issue published Friday 23rd March 2018.